Ocellated dragonet
(Synchiropus ocellatus)

Classification

Species: Synchiropus ocellatus

General data

Scientific names: Ocellated dragonet
Habitat: Saltwater
Climates: Tropical, Subtropical
Native to coasts of: Asia, Australia & Oceania
Distribution: Pacific Ocean

Pacific Ocean: from Indonesia to the Pitcairn Group; north to Japan; south to Australia.

Max length: 9 cm TL

Dorsal spines (total): 4; Dorsal soft rays (total): 8-10; Anal spines: 0; Anal soft rays: 7 - 9.

Identified by starry pattern on body and males by dorsal fin.

Inhabits sandy areas of lagoon and seaward reefs; in sheltered rocky reef habitats in few meters depth, usually in small loose groups. Occurs in rubble and algal turfs  and tidepools. Feeds on small benthic invertebrates.